TRYTHIS

Pilates and a Little History
– New Orleans-style

You have probably heard of Joseph
Pilates, or even taken a class, but you’ve never
taken a Pilates class like this.

Uncle Joe’s Pilates Studio, a nod to the
regimen’s founder, in Riverbend co-owned by Larry Gibas
and Juan Williams, teaches what’s commonly known
as classical Pilates. (That means it’s the closest you can
get to Pilates’ original body of work.) In fact, Gibas and
Williams can trace their connection to Pilates in one move
– through Romana Kyzanowska, who had been instructed
by Pilates in the 1940s and became the director of his
Pilates Studio in New York in the ’70s.

The Pilates method has five core principles that one
should keep in mind throughout the workout: Control,
Centering, Flow, Precision and Breath. It uses controlled movements
that start from a strong core through the use of the human
body and a range of apparatuses and mat work. Each piece of
equipment, including the mat, has its own repertoire and range
of exercises.

While Uncle Joe’s offers group mat and tower classes, as well as
individual and small group instruction (at an instructor’s discretion)
on pieces of equipment such as the reformer, cadillac, high
chair and barrel, their most intriguing class is titled: Detox/Retox.

This advanced mat class (that you can only take after an Uncle
Joe’s instructor has evaluated your technique) is held one Friday
a month and is followed by instructor-crafted cocktails and
noshes – the flan, in particular, and if on offer, isn’t to be missed.

(8211 Hampson St., 895-5008, UncleJoesPilates.com), The history of
Joseph Pilates and his teachings – as well as its modern incarnations
– is fascinating; see Uncle Joe’s website for more.

If you’re looking for some fresh sea air, rest and relaxation after the holidays,
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is running a great deal, offering a free night when
you book two. You will have access to all the amenities of this first-class resort, including:
seven miles of beaches, four championship golf courses, tennis and swimming and
the marina. Alternatively you might want to book for the 24th annual Sandestin Gumbo
Festival on President’s Day Weekend or the Annual Sandestin Wine Festival, April 18
through 21, featuring celebrity chef Paula Deen.

In most cities, January might be a quiet month for gifting; but in New
Orleans that couldn’t be further from the case. With Super Bowl, Mardi Gras
and wedding season popping up right after the new year, there will be a lot of
gifting and entertaining to be done. Adler’s is always a cornucopia of tabletop,
serving and entertaining pieces, and now, following a buyer’s trip to Ireland,
the isle’s most beautiful Waterford crystal is available in Adler’s stores. We
hear quantities are limited, so don’t miss out.